Maritime tensions cast shadow on attempts by China, Japan to stabilize ties

The ongoing maritime tensions are overshadowing efforts by China and Japan to stabilize bilateral ties, as Tokyo condemned recent interactions between rival vessels near disputed islets as "truly regrettable."

Between Friday and Monday, China pursued several Japanese fishing vessels out of the waters surrounding contested islets.

"Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands have all along been China's territory. We urge the Japanese side to immediately cease all illegal activities in the waters around them," China Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun said Monday, adding that Chinese vessels would continue operations in the area.

The Senkaku Islands, administered by Japan but claimed by China as Diaoyu Dao, remain a major point of contention between the two nations in the South China Sea.

The renewed maritime tensions come shortly after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Tokyo last week for wide-ranging talks aimed at strengthening ties.

During his visit, Wang met with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, national security officials, ruling party members, and a former prime minister. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations.

However, Iwaya said Monday that Chinese Coast Guard activities around the disputed islets were “clearly escalating,” according to Kyodo News.

Speaking in parliament, he said he had conveyed Tokyo's concerns during the bilateral talks. A Foreign Ministry official later reiterated that Iwaya had "strongly protested" to his Chinese counterpart.

Iwaya described his meeting with Wang as "a conciliatory and friendly atmosphere" but added: "It is truly regrettable that things like this happened, so we will deal with this issue in a resolute and calm manner."

Japanese officials also noted that the presence of Chinese vessels around the disputed area marked the “longest-ever stay.”